Durbin does it again

Posted by | July 23, 2007 at 11:29 AM

The Phillies headed to the West Coast a week ago facing a tough task. They had to play the Dodgers and Padres, who ranked No. 2 and 1 in the National League in pitching when last week began. The Phils also had to start J.D. Durbin, who was waived four times this year before sticking in Triple-A Ottawa and later getting promoted to the majors, twice during the trip.

So of course Durbin went out and won both of his starts. All he did Sunday was throw a complete-game shutout and outpitch Jake Peavy, who started the All-Star Game for the NL, in a 9-0 win. Funny game, this baseball, isn't it?

Durbin's effort helped the Phillies go 4-3 on their trip to the West Coast. It also made sure they kept pace with the Mets, who also went 4-3 on their trip to San Diego and Los Angeles, in the NL East. The Phils remain in third place, five games back of the Mets and 1 1/2 games behind second-place Atlanta.

While their pitching staff remains questionable, the Phillies have to feel a little better about their rotation after the last week. With rookie Kyle Kendrick (4-1, 4.40 ERA) providing solid work and Durbin allowing just one runs and 11 hits in 15 innings over his last two starts, they have at least been giving the offense a chance to win games.

The Phillies would still be best off adding a decent veteran starter for the right price. If they can't, however, they might be able to squeak by with Kendrick and Durbin.

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This week's Phillies Focus, which will appear in Tuesday's Morning Call, will include some interesting numbers on Ryan Howard. Look for it tomorrow. I'll also take a look at whether the Phillies should buy or sell at the trading deadline.

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Here's a saddening story from the minor leagues, where a Double-A coach was killed Sunday when he was hit in the head by a batted ball.

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What should the Phillies add at the trading deadline? A starter? A reliever? Or do you think they should sell off some pieces and regroup for next year? Fire away with your responses.

The Phillies still have a shot at the playoffs, so they should not sell off and regroup unless they are able to sell off Burrell. Perhaps his recently hot bat will allow for the Phillies to move him. Although, his salary for next year is much too high based on what you get in return. The Phillies will have him for one more year at which point they will have to cut him.
Any type of consistent starting or relief pitching is what is needed. The offense is great. Howard is cranking it up for the stretch. LETS GO PHILLIES!